2025 Best Arizona Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs
- 2026 Best Online Nursing Post-Master's Graduate Certificate Schools in Arizona
- Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Admission Requirements in Arizona
- Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Classes and Courses
- Online Post-Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs in Arizona
- Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Career Pathways in Arizona
- List of Arizona Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

Post-graduate (also called post-master’s) nursing certificates can advance a nurse’s career. When an MSN-educated nurse obtains a post-graduate nursing certificate, they gain the ability to practice in a specialized scope of nursing. They may even increase their earning potential. Nurses interested in going back to school in Arizona may wish to consider the post-grad nursing certificate route, which is quicker and generally less expensive than completing an additional full degree program.
2026 Best Online Nursing Post-Master's Graduate Certificate Schools in Arizona
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ - Public 4-Year - arizona.edu
Graduate Certificate - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Arizona's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate offers an exceptional online and hybrid learning experience for registered nurses targeting advanced pediatric healthcare expertise. This specialized four-semester program demands a Master of Science in Nursing and encompasses 26 credits with 720 clinical hours. Uniquely designed for working professionals, the certificate integrates comprehensive online coursework with strategic campus-based skills training. At $1,053 per credit, students gain specialized pediatric nursing knowledge, preparing them for advanced clinical roles. The program's selective availability requires prospective students to carefully verify enrollment opportunities in advance.
- Four-semester, part-time program.
- Blends online and campus learning.
- Requires Master of Science in Nursing.
- 26 credits needed for completion.
- 720 clinical hours required.
- Cost: $1053 per credit.
- Specializes in pediatric nursing.
- For working registered nurses.
- Not offered every year.
- Check availability before applying.
Graduate Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Arizona's Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate delivers a comprehensive online educational pathway for registered nurses seeking advanced primary care specialization. This four-semester program meticulously prepares nurses for expanded healthcare roles through 38 clinical units and 810 practical hours. Requiring a Master of Science in nursing, the curriculum emphasizes comprehensive pharmacological training, advanced health assessment, and primary care management strategies. Graduates become eligible for national FNP certification, positioning themselves at the forefront of family healthcare practice with a rigorous, professionally-oriented learning experience.
- Part-time, four-semester program
- 31 total credits required
- $1,053 per credit cost
- Requires MSN degree
- 810 clinical practicum hours
- Campus and online learning
- Prepares for national certification
- Advanced pharmacology focus
- Comprehensive health assessment training
Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate from the University of Arizona represents a cutting-edge online program targeting registered nurses passionate about mental health specialization. Spanning four semesters, this certificate demands a Master of Science in nursing and includes 25 clinical credits with 765 practicum hours. Students develop sophisticated skills in psychiatric nursing theories, patient assessment, prevention strategies, and complex illness management across diverse life stages. The program's comprehensive curriculum prepares nurses for national board certification, enabling advanced professional opportunities in mental health clinical practice.
- 30 total credits required
- Cost per credit: $1,053
- Part-time program structure
- Requires MSN degree
- 765 clinical practica hours
- Four-semester certificate
- Campus and online learning
- Advanced psychiatric nursing focus
- National certification eligible
Graduate Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Arizona's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate provides a dynamic hybrid learning experience for experienced registered nurses seeking advanced critical care specialization. This four-semester program blends rigorous online coursework with intensive campus-based clinical skills training. Designed for nurses holding a Master's degree and acute care background, the certificate requires 28 credits and 810 clinical hours. At $1,053 per credit, students gain comprehensive training in adult and geriatric acute healthcare, positioning themselves for national board certification and enhanced professional opportunities in complex medical environments.
- Four-semester part-time program
- Cost per credit: $1,053
- Requires 28 credits, 810 clinical hours
- Online with campus skills intensive
- Prepares for national certification exam
- Master's in nursing prerequisite
- RN acute care experience required
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ - Public 4-Year - asu.edu
Graduate Certificate - Nurse Education in Academic and Practice Settings Graduate Certificate
Online Learning - Visit Website
Arizona State University's online Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education is a strategic 15-credit professional program designed for experienced healthcare professionals transitioning into nursing education roles. This nondegree curriculum prepares educators to develop comprehensive nursing curricula, design innovative courses, and evaluate educational programs effectively. Emphasizing advanced pedagogical skills, the certificate requires a minimum master's degree and maintains a 3.00 GPA standard. Participants engage in specialized coursework and a dedicated Teaching practicum, ensuring practical training across academic and clinical training environments. Ideal for nurses seeking to expand their professional impact, the CCNE-accredited program offers flexible full or part-time study options with classes ranging 7.5-15 weeks.
- 15-credit graduate certificate
- Nondegree professional program
- No RN licensure required
- Full or part-time study
- Teaching practicum included
- Master's or doctorate complement
- 5 total classes
- 7.5-15 weeks per class
- Minimum master's degree needed
- 3.00 GPA requirement
Graduate Certificate - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Arizona State University's Graduate Certificate in Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner provides advanced specialized training for nurses committed to children's healthcare. This hybrid program comprehensively prepares practitioners to deliver exceptional pediatric care from infancy through adolescence. Students develop sophisticated clinical expertise through an intensive curriculum focusing on holistic child health management. Designed for experienced nurses, the program requires a nursing degree and relevant professional background. Graduates gain advanced practice capabilities, positioning themselves for expanded roles in pediatric healthcare settings. The certificate offers a strategic pathway for nurses seeking to make significant developmental and health interventions in children's lives, enhancing their professional competencies.
- Focus on pediatric care.
- Advanced clinical expertise.
- Comprehensive child health focus.
- Nursing degree required.
- Relevant experience needed.
- Pathway to advanced roles.
- Impact in pediatric healthcare.
Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Arizona State University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate represents an advanced clinical training opportunity for board-certified nurses. This hybrid program delivers comprehensive mental health expertise across all age demographics, integrating 28 credit hours and 585 clinical practice hours. Participants master evidence-based assessment, diagnostic techniques, and complex disorder management through innovative curricula. The program emphasizes sophisticated interventions including pharmacological strategies and therapeutic approaches like motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy. Requiring an unencumbered RN license, master's nursing degree, and minimum 3.00 GPA, this certificate provides rigorous preparation for specialized mental health nursing practice, enabling practitioners to deliver nuanced, compassionate psychological healthcare.
- 28 credit hours total
- 585 clinical practice hours
- Hybrid learning format
- Requires master's nursing degree
- Board certification in another APRN specialty
- Focuses on mental health across lifespan
- Advanced clinical assessment skills
- Minimum 3.00 GPA required
- Professional recommendation letters needed
- Unencumbered RN license required
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ - Public 4-Year - nau.edu
Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Northern Arizona University offers a comprehensive Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate designed for experienced nurses seeking advanced mental health care specialization. This hybrid program uniquely emphasizes rural population healthcare, enabling graduates to obtain national certification across the lifespan. Requiring a master's degree and an active professional license, the 23-36 credit program integrates online and in-person coursework. Applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate clinical competency. The CCNE-accredited curriculum prioritizes evidence-based practice, cultural competency, and holistic patient care. Clinical fieldwork provides hands-on training, preparing nurses to address complex mental health challenges in diverse healthcare settings.
- Minimum GPA requirement: 3.0
- 23-36 total credit units
- Rural population focus
- Online and in-person courses
- Across lifespan certification
- Master's degree prerequisite
- Active healthcare license needed
- CCNE accredited program
- Requires clinical fieldwork
Midwestern University-Glendale
Glendale, AZ - Private 4-year - midwestern.edu
Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Certificate, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
Midwestern University offers a specialized online Post-Master's Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner designed for advanced practice nurses seeking career expansion. This intensive 12-month program uniquely prepares nurses to comprehensively manage healthcare needs for patients aged 13 and older. With an innovative curriculum emphasizing specialized geriatric and adolescent care, the program strategically positions graduates in a niche healthcare market. Graduates can expect exceptional earning potential ranging from $120,480 to $163,350 annually. The program features small class sizes limited to 5 students, ensuring personalized instruction and intensive clinical skill development in a flexible online learning environment.
- Online 12-month certificate
- Advanced practice nursing track
- Small class size (5 students)
- Focuses on adolescence through end-of-life care
- High earning potential career
Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Admission Requirements in Arizona
In order to enter a post-master’s nursing certificate program in Arizona, students need to meet a few requirements. These requirements ensure that each candidate is qualified for the program. Depending on the school and program, applicants may need to:
- Obtain an advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) degree
- Obtain active licensure as an advanced practice nurse
- Pass a background check
- Have professional RN experience
- Submit a resume
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
- Write an application essay
- Pay an application fee
- Obtain recommendation letters
For example, the University of Arizona College of Nursing requires that all eligible applicants for the Nurse Practitioner Certificate provide:
- Evidence of an MS or higher
- Evidence of an active nursing license
- Evidence of a 3.0 or higher GPA
- Two recommendation letters
- Evidence of nursing experience in an acute care center
Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Classes and Courses
Students in post-grad certificate programs will take a variety of nursing courses. The coursework will depend on the focus of the certificate. For instance, a student studying for a certificate in Nursing Informatics will take different courses than somebody obtaining an Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner certificate. For post-grad nursing certificates, students can expect to take courses in subjects like:
- Family Health Promotion
- Management of Common Health Problems
- Clinical Research Management
- Clinical Operations
- Management of Adults Across Lifespans
For example, Arizona State University requires that all students in the Emergency Nurse Practitioner nursing certificate program take:
- Principles of Advanced Emergency Nursing I and II
- Practicum I and II: Advanced Emergency Nursing Practice
- Advanced Physiology
- Completion of 270 hours of direct patient care
Program Length
Program length varies depending on the school’s course load as well as the specific program. Arizona State University requires a course load of 15 credit hours in addition to a requirement of working with patients in a professional setting. A full-time program may take about one year to complete, but those who go to school part-time may take two years.
Tuition and Cost of Attendance
The Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation at Arizona State University costs about $12,600 each year. For out-of-state students, tuition is closer to $32,300 each year.
Keep in mind that the cost of attendance for these schools do not typically include transportation, books, and other supplies. Students should also factor in housing costs if they need to relocate to attend a program.
Online Post-Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs in Arizona
There are many advantages to pursuing an online nursing program in Arizona. Online students have the ability to continue working full-time or part-time as they complete their education. It also gives students more flexibility to complete their required hours of patient care.
Featured Online School
Northern Arizona University offers a Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate online. This program is catered toward teaching students how to provide care for underserved rural areas. This web-based program is available for students who already hold BSN degrees and want to expand their skills.
This certificate program requires 38 units, including courses like:
- Family Primary Health Care
- Advanced Nursing Assessment
- Rural Theory and Health Policy
- Applied Pathophysiology
- Family Nursing Theory
Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Career Pathways in Arizona
After students complete a post-grad nursing certificate program, they have access to different careers in the field. A certificate can make students more competitive candidate for careers like:
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse-Midwife
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate Salary & Job Outlook
Nurse practitioners are among those with post-master’s nursing certificates in Arizona. The annual mean wage for nurse practitioners in Arizona is $110,750 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale region employs the most nurse practitioners, and the Flagstaff region is in second place. Additionally, the Yuma metropolitan area is one of the highest-paying areas for this career field.
List of Arizona Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs
There are many post-grad certificate programs for nursing in Arizona, and some of them are even available online. The following programs are among the most popular in the state.
Flagstaff, AZ
Northern Arizona University
- Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Minimum GPA requirement: 3.0
- 23-36 total credit units
- Rural population focus
- Online and in-person courses
- Across lifespan certification
- Master's degree prerequisite
- Active healthcare license needed
- CCNE accredited program
Glendale, AZ
Midwestern University-Glendale
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Certificate, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Online 12-month certificate
- Advanced practice nursing track
- Small class size (5 students)
- Focuses on adolescence through end-of-life care
- High earning potential career
Tempe, AZ
Arizona State University
- Graduate Certificate - Nurse Education in Academic and Practice Settings Graduate Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- 15-credit graduate certificate
- Nondegree professional program
- No RN licensure required
- Full or part-time study
- Teaching practicum included
- Master's or doctorate complement
- 5 total classes
- 7.5-15 weeks per class
- Graduate Certificate - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Focus on pediatric care.
- Advanced clinical expertise.
- Comprehensive child health focus.
- Nursing degree required.
- Relevant experience needed.
- Pathway to advanced roles.
- Impact in pediatric healthcare.
- Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 28 credit hours total
- 585 clinical practice hours
- Hybrid learning format
- Requires master's nursing degree
- Board certification in another APRN specialty
- Focuses on mental health across lifespan
- Advanced clinical assessment skills
- Minimum 3.00 GPA required
Tucson, AZ
University of Arizona
- Graduate Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Four-semester part-time program
- Cost per credit: $1,053
- Requires 28 credits, 810 clinical hours
- Online with campus skills intensive
- Prepares for national certification exam
- Master's in nursing prerequisite
- RN acute care experience required
- Graduate Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- Part-time, four-semester program
- 31 total credits required
- $1,053 per credit cost
- Requires MSN degree
- 810 clinical practicum hours
- Campus and online learning
- Prepares for national certification
- Advanced pharmacology focus
- Graduate Certificate - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Four-semester, part-time program.
- Blends online and campus learning.
- Requires Master of Science in Nursing.
- 26 credits needed for completion.
- 720 clinical hours required.
- Cost: $1053 per credit.
- Specializes in pediatric nursing.
- For working registered nurses.
- Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- 30 total credits required
- Cost per credit: $1,053
- Part-time program structure
- Requires MSN degree
- 765 clinical practica hours
- Four-semester certificate
- Campus and online learning
- Advanced psychiatric nursing focus